Recruitment doesn't start yet, but...
 

Hi! I'm new here and I'm a sophomore at a Big 10 school that doesn't do the first party until December. I know it's a few months away, but I'm wondering if any of you visited some of the houses even before recruitment started? I know a girl that is in a sorority that I really like and she put my name down on a dinner list. Do you think this is a good way to get a look at some of the sororities? I'm trying to go into recruitment without any preconceptions of the houses (since my roommate and other girls did it last year and I heard some stories...)

Thanks for all the help you can give me!

Going into recruitment with a favorite is bad or making judgements based on rumors and reps is bad. Making decisions based on first hand experience is fine. There's nothing wrong with meeting the members before recruitment if it's allowed by the campus panhellenic. If there's a lot of chapters it's probably an excellent idea so they can get to know you better and you won't be as overwhelmed trying to remember which chapter was which during recruitment.

I think it's fine to get to know some of the houses before recruitment (and to let the sisters get to know you) as long as you keep an open mind during recruitment.

It may also help you to get to know some of the houses better since you'll be interacting with the sisters in a more normal (and less hectic/stressful) atmosphere.

Also, once recruitment starts, remember to make your decisions based on your own experiences and feelings, not based on what your friends said or what the other girls in your Rho Chi group think.

That is definitely a good idea--go to some of their informal get togethers and see if you like the women that you meet. If possible, try to go to as many of the other sorority's events as possible, as well. Good luck to you!!!

DEFINITELY go to the dinner. I agree that having preconcieved notions isn't always good and can makes things harder on you, but I would definitely check them out. If she really likes you and you really like her and she really likes her sorority, well, it could be a perfect fit! Give her sorority a shot but give everyone else a fair and equal chance. If you find a better fit, don't feel bad for your friend/over the fact you went to dinner. On the same note, just because you checked out that house, don't put all of your eggs in that basket. Definitely go and meet the girls-it will make you more comfortable during the recruitment process, but do keep an open mind! :)